The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has announced a significant shift in the United Kingdom’s visa policy, set to take effect on January 1, 2025. Starting next year, all travelers heading to the UK for extended stays will need to use an Electronic Visa (E-Visa) in place of any physical visa documents.
This change impacts all types of traditional visa documentation, including Biometric Residence Permits (BRP) and Biometric Residence Cards (BRC), which will no longer be valid after December 31, 2024.
This transition is part of a move by the UK government to streamline its visa processes and enhance security. The British High Commission confirmed that physical visa documents currently used for long-term residency will be phased out in favor of a fully digital system. As a result, anyone planning to live, work, or study in the UK for more than six months will need to apply for an E-Visa starting January 2025. The E-Visa will be the only valid document accepted for those intending long-term stays in the UK, creating a digital record accessible upon entry.
Holders of Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) will be among those most affected, as all BRP cards will expire at the end of this year regardless of their printed expiration dates. Individuals holding BRPs with permissions to reside, work, or study in the UK are urged to prepare for this transition by applying for E-Visas, ensuring they comply with the new requirements.
In anticipation of the holiday season, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a travel advisory urging all individuals planning to leave the UK before the end of the year to secure their E-Visas in advance. This precaution is to prevent any complications with re-entry into the UK after December 31, when physical documentation will no longer be accepted.
In a formal statement issued on Monday, November 4, the Ministry’s Acting Director for Information and Public Affairs Bureau, Victor N. A. Adamah, highlighted the importance of early preparation for all affected travelers.
The Ministry advised individuals needing further assistance with the E-Visa application process to visit the British High Commission’s website or to contact UK immigration authorities directly.
